PROJECT PLAN¶
PROJECT MANAGEMENT¶
beginning with the end in mind¶
DESIGN THINKING MODEL¶
OVERALL PROJECT FLOW¶
Material → Behavior → Form → Body → Interaction → Reflection
VISUAL PROJECT TIMELINE¶
Seaweed Dialogues — Project Phases
15.12.25–04.01.26 05.01–18.01.26 19.01–08.02.26 09.02–22.02.26 23.02–08.03.26 09.03–27.03.26
│ │ │ │ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼
DISCOVER ───────── DEFINE ───── DEVELOP I ───── DEVELOP II ───── DEVELOP III ───── DELIVER
DISCOVER — Material & Context¶
15.12.2025 – 04.01.2026
[ Research ] → [ Observe ] → [ Sense ]
Desk research on Sargassum (ecology, politics, material discourse) Case studies (Seaweed Dialogues, Lohmann, bio-wearables) Context mapping (Mexico, coastline, stakeholders) Sensory imagination & material references (without making) Output: Research notes · Context & stakeholder map · Initial material & narrative vocabulary
DEFINE — Focus & Research Question¶
05.01.2026 – 11.01.2026
[ Reflect ] → [ Select ] → [ Frame ]
Synthesize research insights Decide focus: Material → Object → Vessel / Body-adjacent Define role of material vs. technology Formulate research question & project scope Output: Clear project framing · Short concept statement · Defined scope
DEVELOP I — Material Systems¶
12.01.2026 – 08.02.2026 [ Forage ] → [ Recipe ] → [ Test ] → [ Compare ]
Forage & document Sargassum Material preparation (cleaning, drying, grinding) Binder testing (agar, alginate, glycerin) Sheet thickness & translucency Drying methods (flat / hanging / airflow) Failure as data Output: Material sample library · 2–3 stable recipes · Process documentation
DEVELOP II — Form & Body Relation¶
09.02.2026 – 22.02.2026 [ Cut ] → [ Assemble ] → [ Wear ]
Cutting / laser cutting Modular systems & seams Bubble-, organ- & vessel-like geometries On-body testing (movement, comfort, intimacy) Output: Wearable fragments / vessels · Body tests · Movement documentation
DEVELOP III — Interaction Logic¶
23.02.2026 – 08.03.2026 [ Interact ] → [ Map ] → [ Refine ]
Define material agency in relation to the body Low-tech interaction tests (air, tension, gravity, layering) Optional conceptual sensor mockups Interaction & behavior mapping Output: Main prototype direction · Interaction diagram · Refined concept framing
DELIVER — Interaction, Evaluation & Storytelling¶
09.03.2026 – 27.03.2026 [ Test ] → [ Reflect ] → [ Communicate ]
Wear-tests & video / photo documentation Reflection writing & positioning Final prototype or resolved fragment Prepare final presentation & narrative Output: Final prototype or artifact Clear narrative Material archive Evaluation & next steps
PROJECT PLAN¶
From January to March 2026
13/01/26 - 01 PPD
01 PPD. Review on Planning/Process/Workflow: Gantt - Planning, Electronics, Custom tools and BOM
27/01/26 - 02 PPD
02 PPD. Focus Groups - Mentoring sessions
10/02/26 - 12/02/26 - 03 PPD
03 PPD. Mid Term Presentations
23/02/26 - 26/02/26 - 04 PPD
04 PPD. Focus Groups - Mentoring sessions
08/03/26 - 11/03/26- 05 PPD
05 PPD. Review on Storytelling & final prototype
24/03/26 - 27/03/26 - 05 PPD
06 PPD. Final Project Presentations
| Phase | Timeframe | Focus | Key Activities | Outputs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DISCOVER Observe · Understand |
15.12.2025 – 04.01.2026 | Material & context exploration (theoretical) | • Desk research on Sargassum (ecology, politics, material discourse) • Case studies (Seaweed Dialogues, Lohmann, bio-wearables) • Context mapping (Mexico, coastline, stakeholders) • Sensory imagination & material references (without making) |
• Research notes & references • Context & stakeholder map • Initial material & narrative vocabulary |
| DEFINE Research framing |
05.01.2026 – 18.01.2026 | Clarifying focus & intention | • Synthesize research insights • Define role of material vs. technology • Define body proximity (wearable / body-adjacent / vessel) • Formulate research question & project scope |
• Clear research question • Short concept statement • Defined project scope & boundaries |
| DEVELOP I Material systems |
19.01.2026 – 08.02.2026 | Material stabilization & testing | • Forage & document Sargassum • Material preparation (cleaning, drying, grinding) • Develop bioplastic sheet systems • Binder ratio testing (agar, alginate, glycerin) • Drying methods (flat, hanging, airflow) • Sample comparison |
• Material sample library • 2–3 promising material recipes • Documentation of failures & successes |
| DEVELOP II Form & body |
09.02.2026 – 22.02.2026 | Form exploration & body relation | • Cutting & modular systems • Stitching / knotting experiments • Bubble-, organ- & vessel-like geometries • On-body testing (movement, comfort, fragility) |
• Wearable fragments / vessels • Movement & body documentation • Identified interaction potentials |
| DEVELOP III Interaction logic |
23.02.2026 – 08.03.2026 | Material ↔ body ↔ environment | • Define material agency in relation to the body • Low-tech interaction tests (air, tension, layers, gravity) • Optional sensor mockups (conceptual, non-final) • Interaction & behavior mapping |
• Main prototype direction • Interaction diagram • Refined concept framing |
| DELIVER Test · Reflect |
09.03.2026 – 27.03.2026 | Evaluation & communication | • Wear-tests & video documentation • Reflection writing & positioning • Final prototype or resolved fragment • Prepare final presentation & narrative |
• Final prototype or artifact • Material archive documentation • Process documentation • Clear project narrative |
MATERIALS & TOOLS — PROJECT OVERVIEW¶
Project: Ocean Breath / Sargassum Wearable
ONE-LINE SUMMARY¶
“The project relies on locally sourced biomaterials, shared Fab Lab tools, and self-built low-tech custom tools, ensuring feasibility, adaptability, and process-driven development.”
1. Core Materials (Biomaterials)¶
Category Material Purpose Notes
| Category | Material | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biomass | Sargassum seaweed | Primary biofabricated material | Locally sourced, washed & dried |
| Binder | Sodium Alginate | Flexibility & strength | Algae-based polymer |
| Binder | Glycerin | Plasticizer | Controls softness & elasticity |
| Additives | Vinegar / Calcium salts | pH control / crosslinking | Optional, experimental |
| Water | Distilled / tap water | Material preparation | Process medium |
2. Consumables¶
Category Item Purpose Surfaces Baking paper / silicone sheets Casting & drying
| Category | Item | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Surfaces | Baking paper / silicone sheets | Casting & drying |
| Films | Polyester / acetate sheets | Smooth surfaces |
| Fixing | Thread / fishing line | Assembly & testing |
| Documentation | Labels, markers | Sample tracking |
3. Tools (Standard / Shared Lab Tools)¶
| Tool | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blender | Biomass processing | Shared or personal |
| Grinder | Dried seaweed powder | Optional |
| Hot plate | Heating biopolymers | Temperature control |
| Scale | Precise ratios | Essential |
| Containers | Mixing & casting | Heat-resistant |
| Laser cutter | Cutting / modular patterns | Fab Lab access |
| Camera / phone | Documentation | Process & tests |
4. Custom / Self-Made Tools (PPD-relevant)¶
| Custom Tool | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Drying frames (DIY) | Controlled drying & tension | To be built |
| Modular casting molds | Vessel / wearable forms | Iterative |
| Body-scale test rigs | Fit & movement testing | Simple mockups |
| Inflation / tension tools | Low-tech interaction tests | Experimental |
Note: Custom tools are intentionally low-tech, adaptable, and developed alongside material testing.
5. Optional Electronics (Conceptual / Low Priority)¶
| Component | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Air pump / balloon | Material movement tests | Optional |
| Basic sensors | Conceptual interaction | Not core focus |
| LEDs | Visual feedback (optional) | Low priority |
| LEDs Visual feedback (optional) Low priority | ||
| Electronics are conceptual and non-essential in the current phase. | ||
| Primary focus remains material behavior & body interaction. |
6. Estimated BOM Scope (PPD-01 Level)¶
| Category | Cost Level |
|---|---|
| Biomaterials | Low |
| Tools (lab-based) | Existing |
| Custom tools | DIY / low-cost |
| Electronics | Optional |
FEEDBACK¶
ANASTASIA
https://class.textile-academy.org/2019/catherine.euale/projects/P7algae/
CLAUDIA
"beautiful slides laura, i like the moodboard and the sketches! how do you implement the circuit in the clothing? i wouldnt delay this part.. molds would also help you shape the 3D shapes,.. layering multiple sheets. I would also pay attention to the textures that could emerge from the processing.. try to work on the modularity... looking forward to it!"
CAROLINA
"Hi Laura, the Sargassum is a big family with lots of species, not only one. Try to understand which ones you have more of there, because some can give more alginate (bigger species) and also more ‘gluey’ gels. If you use it as biomass or fibres, remember that the material will age and lose colour, or develop green shades of chlorophyll (which is really oxidation). I would like to see more schemes and advances of your project. This is a good reference of different seaweed applications Sea wood projects and other inspirations https://www.blueblocks.nl/research/ . and https://www.blueblocks.nl/design/ . Also, my (semi-)professional recomentation: wash the salts of the sargassum a clean it very weel. You can boil it to create colours and make it more stable and safe. Good work!"
NURIA
"Laura, I like the body–ocean connection, and the videos you shared were especially powerful in conveying the movement and mood you want to show. What is confussing for me is the final outcome you will create, is it an art piece, a wearable, another thing? Now it is time to decide the first attempt of what you wanna create in these next 3 weeks. Time flies!!"
EMMA
"Transforming waste into garments is a great idea, looking forward to see the clothes."
. . . . . . . ©️ Copyright 2024 laura Muth
- All project & material experiment images are my own & were photographed by me.
- Other images are credited to the respective artists below.